Ontario SPCA seeking public's help to determine owner of three dogs found shot to death in Southwold 0

The Ontario SPCA is appealing to the public following a grizzly discovery last month in Southwold Township.

On August 26, the Ontario SPCA was contacted by Elgin OPP regarding three dead dogs wrapped in plastic wrap on the side of a road. The dogs were female, medium- to large-sized lab-type dogs, approximately 50 lbs. in weight. Two were red/tan-coloured and one black, with a white spot on its chest.

Elgin OPP Const. Troy Carlson said the dogs were discovered in the area of 2nd Line and Turner Rd., northeast of Lawrence Station in Southwold. OPP requested the assistance of the Ontario SPCA to establish the cause of death.

It was determined all three dogs suffered gunshot wounds to the head and face area. The wounds were consistent with the dogs being confined while shot. It also appeared that at least one of the dogs had been badly beaten.

Scott Sylvia, inspector with the Ontario SPCA, said there is no information at this point as to whether the dogs belonged to the same owner.

"With all three dogs and the way they were found, it's certainly plausible. But we're not making any assumption at this time."

He added they are still trying to determine whether the dogs had been reported stolen or missing.

"We're still investigating that at this time. All we have is three dogs that were found together and we're looking for the owner. If someone is missing a dog, get in touch with us as soon as possible. If you know something about this we would certainly like to speak with you."

With all three being adult females, Sylvia said it is only speculative at this time as to whether the dogs came from a puppy mill.

"I would think it is too early to make such a determination at this time. We're going to let the information and the evidence lead us in the direction we need to go."

"The Ontario SPCA is urging anyone who may have information on who these dogs belonged to, or the owners themselves, to come forward and contact the society," added Jennifer Bluhm, Ontario SPCA senior inspector.

"Please call 310-SPCA, email cruelty@ospca.on.ca or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), if you have any information which could be useful to this case."